Hays County has lifted the ban on outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county as of March 9.

Persons planning to burn outdoors should be aware of wind conditions and delay burning if winds are expected to be gusty or high. Fires should always be attended by an adult and a water source should be available nearby.

Property owners planning to burn should notify the Hays County Emergency Communications Office at 512-393-7896, their local fire department, and as a courtesy their neighbors.

On Wednesday, Hays County rated an average of 113 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index with a projected 14-day average of 229 on the 0-800 scale.